First post!! Sorry in advance for the lengthy post... really conflicted right now and had to seek advice.
Background: I graduated 2014 from a top 20 school in the northeast with a major in statistics but with a GPA of 2.8. Because of the low GPA, I was discouraged to apply to any top firms and instead find myself in a no name corporate finance as a financial analyst.
I have over 2 years of experience here now and while it isn't the worst job, I can't help but to feel that I'm selling myself short. I know that I am capable of achieving bigger dreams and don't want to get comfortable here as I am getting older and it would be harder for me to qualify for entry level positions at top firms. Now with this low GPA and no name value company work experience, I feel the only way to "rebrand" myself right now is through an MSF or some kind of degree to make up for my GPA and utilize the school's OCR to break into top 4...
My thought process is this: Cover low undergrad GPA by getting an MSF at Baruch while working full time and during the duration of this program, job hop using MSF with my "new identity" and if I am able to get into a great company, stay there for a bit then apply to MBA programs with a good masters gpa/good work exp. (I'm assuming 3.8+ would at least help mitigate the terrible gpa)
Will it be worth it to work full-time / go to school and use that degree to create new opportunities? Even if it is at a non-target like Baruch.
Appreciate any advice!
Baruch or Pace won't open up the opportunities you are looking for, assuming you want to work for a top-tier investment bank or consultancy. You won't get good return on investment.
Terrible GPA hurts, but networking helps. Talk to people face-to-face and learn about what they do, you'd be surprised how many people are willing to help. It's a number game.
It's just that come MBA time suppose I have these stats: Top firm analyst / 730 GMAT / 2.8 UG GPA / CFA How would I be able to compete with people who have all of the above but a 3.5+ GPA?
Hence why if I add say, a 3.8GPA from a MSF program, I can at least give an answer/show dedication? Rather than just applying with a 2.8.
My college GPA is close to yours and I got into a very good MBA program. It's all about your story and how you sell your experience. You'd be amazed how many at top business schools who have amazing experience but less stellar quantitative metrics.
Your GMAT is very good and you worked for a top firm, why wouldn't you get into a good MBA program if you articulate clearly why you need an MBA and how MBA can help you achieve your goals? 3.8GPA from MSF is like CFA, isn't too much of a differentiator.
Thanks for your insight.
How about this then - right now I'm not even at a F500 company as a financial analyst. I really want to get into BB like JP Morgan or even get my feet wet in consulting by doing a BA at Deloitte.
However, the minimum GPA threshold prevents me from even passing the screening and looking at any top consulting or BB I see that same 3.2-3.5+ GPA requirement.
In this case, could a 3.8 gpa in an MSF help me apply to these places? Especially if there is OCR that I can take advantage of?
No. I want you to have the mindset that you can do a lot better than Baruch MSF. Just forget Baruch.
A lot of people on WSO make into JP IB or Deloitte through aggressive networking. GPA is just a screen for on-campus recruiting, there are other ways to get in. You just need to sell yourself correctly. Figure out how, plenty of resources written by inspiring WSO members who have made it.
In general, I feel you are very hung up on prestige, but that's a whole different conversation. Why care so much about JP or Deloitte or things like Fortune 500? Just get a job where you get to contribute, and people treat you right and there is upward movement, who cares whether it's JP Morgan or a startup?
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